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Pregnant women

Iodine Deficiency in Pregnancy Linked to Hypertensive Disorders

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pregnant women at risk for iodine deficiency may be more likely to develop hypertensive disorders due to changes in thyroid hormone levels. A study of 250 women in the third trimester of pregnancy in Paraiba, Brazil, found that detection of iodine deficiency may help identify women at higher risk of hypertensive complications. The researchers concluded that supplementation may potentially improve outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • 250 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy with hypertensive disorders were included in the study.
  • Urinary iodine concentration (UIC), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody levels were assessed in the women.
  • Iodine deficiency was defined as UIC levels < 100 μg/L.
  • Detection of iodine deficiency in pregnancy may help identify women at higher risk of hypertensive complications.
  • Supplementation may potentially improve outcomes for pregnant women with iodine deficiency.
  • Federal University Campina Grande UFCG conducted the study, and the researchers included Adriana Duarte Miranda Queiroz, Maria Roseneide dos Santos Torres, Luana Cristina Fernandes Ratis, Maria Clara Vieira Morais, Jose Natal Figueiroa, and Alex Sandro Rolland Souza as authors.

Statistics:

  • 250 pregnant women were included in the study.
  • 100 μg/L was the cutoff value for defining iodine deficiency.
  • 18 years of age was the minimum age for inclusion in the study.
  • 3 months (June 2022 to April 2023) was the duration of the study.
  • 16 was the volume of the Frontiers in Endocrinology journal issue where the research was published.

Sources:

  • Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2025;16. (Journal)
  • Frontiers Media Sa, Avenue Du Tribunal Federal 34, Lausanne, Ch-1015, Switzerland. (Journal Contact Information)
  • Adriana Duarte Miranda Queiroz, Federal University Campina Grande UFCG, Dept. of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Campina Grande, Paraiba, Brazil. (Author Contact Information)
  • NewsRx. Findings on Iodine Deficiency Discussed by Investigators at Federal University Campina Grande UFCG (Urinary Iodine Concentration and Thyroid Function In Pregnant Women With Hypertensive Disorders). OBGYN & Reproduction Week. October 20, 2025; p 338. (News Article)

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